Dog Community

Housebroken pup won't go outside

Posted : 4/24/2010 11:35:42 AM

So, I've had my pup for a couple of months now. I kept him inside as the vet advised until he got all of his shots. Once that was done he got neutered a week later. So I'm post-neutering less than a week at this point. Does anyone have any tips for transitioning a puppy from going on wee pads inside to going outside when I take him outside?

I can be outside for an hour, and as soon as we get back inside he goes to the pads and pees. I'm thrilled that he's housebroken, but it's time to move that business outside. I'm waiting until he's not dealing with the cone any longer to really start training him to go outside.

So, any advice is appreciated. He's a 15 pound Lab/Cocker Spaniel mix.

-Kevin

akyramoto82

Posted : 4/24/2010 2:35:34 PM

you might try taking a wee pad outside. then slowly make the pad smaller & smaller till he's actually going on grass etc. and make a huge fuss about what a good dog he is when he goes outside. even giving him a treat to let him know that was the right thing to do. also I wouldn't bring him back in until he's done his business outside, you might also keep him on a leash to let him know that you mean 'business' and he's just not out running around thinking it's play time.

you could even make a word that means 'potty' so every time he goes you say the word and give him a treat. transition this to outside too. take him on the leash and say your potty word, when he goes you can say 'good potty' and give him a treat.

how often are you taking him out?

glenmar

Posted : 4/24/2010 3:27:04 PM

Ditto!

tiffy

Posted : 4/24/2010 4:52:18 PM

akyramoto82
you might try taking a wee pad outside

What she said. Smile

calliecritturs

Posted : 4/24/2010 5:20:33 PM

Such is the difficulty with that method of housetraining -- and you'll find he really WANTS to go on something absorbent. Be really vigilant because once you transition it outside he's gonna want to find a substitute INSIDE.

Dogs really don't get "inside" vs "outside" -- they are far more immediate than that so if you aren't paying attention he will find something else small, absorbent and that "works" inside (like folded newspaper, your shirt, a throw rug???)

When you transition it outside you may want to put a bell on a long cord and tie it to the door so he can TELL you he's gotta go out. Just tap his paw on the bell as you GO out (flash the pad and say "Let's go!" or whatever your "word" is).

BUT when HE taps the bell -- you gotta be ready to "go" right then. The bell means "out"!!

(Just trying to give you a small dog-speak lesson!)